The Vine - News Blog

Family Life Center floor taking shape in old Sanctuary

 
As we noted in a special email blast late last week, our old Sanctuary is undergoing changes that will eventually result in our church having a Family Life Center!
 
As part of that larger process, the floor is now down and being fused together. The floor stripes for basketball and volleyball still need to be painted. At that point we will completely restrict access until the floor is cured and set properly.
 

Everyone's invited to come see the finished floor at a luncheon on May 6 after the late worship services. On that day we'll be holding the final luncheon of the year Student Summer Missions, and we're excited to celebrate the new floor, confirmands, and summer missions all in one event.
 
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Concerts at Arborlawn: three more events this season, including this Sunday during 11 a.m. worship

 
As we conclude this inaugural season of Concerts at Arborlawn, we look forward to the three final concerts featuring Arborlawn's Chancel Choir and The Orchestra at Arborlawn, the Fort Worth Baroque Society, and The Festival Chorus with Jerry Westenkuehler at the organ on July 4.
 
This Sunday, join us during the 11 a.m. worship service as the 130-voice Arborlawn Chancel Choir and The Orchestra at Arborlawn combine in a service with Ralph Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs and Festival Te Deum and In Paradisium by American composer Dan Forrest. Dr. David Robinson joins us as baritone soloist. Stirring orchestral arrangements of hymns by composers Sterling Procter and Dan Goeller complete the morning of worship. 
 

The Fort Worth Baroque Society is singing here Monday, Memorial Day, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. They will be performing "An American Tapestry of Choral Music by American Composers and Arrangers" featuring the music of Wilberg, Dawson, and Shaw, accompanied by Tracy Carroll, pianist, under the direction of C. David Keith. Tickets are $15 and will be sold at the door or are available online at FWBaroqueSociety.org.
 

Arborlawn's annual July 4 concert, "A Salute to America," is Wednesday, July 4 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The night features The Festival Choir, a chorus of singers from our community with Jerry Westenkuehler on the organ; all conducted by Tom Stoker.
 

All singers throughout the area are invited to rehearse with us from 4-6 p.m. dressed in comfortable red, white, and blue. We'll serve the chorus a meal at 6 p.m. before the concert starts at 7 p.m. We hope to fill the platform with singers and overflow the Sanctuary with an audience in this annual Fort Worth favorite. There is no admission charge, and the public is invited.
 
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Beyond 90 Days Sunday School class starts Book of Mark

 
After completing the recent The Bible in 90 Days study, several individuals have committed to continue the discipline of daily reading and the study of scripture. They have formed a new Sunday School class, called Beyond 90 Days.
 
The class will begin studying the Book of Mark this Sunday, Apr. 29. The study and discussion will be based on a new Bible Study curriculum, Immersion Bible Studies. The curriculum includes both in-depth study of Scripture as well as the application of faith topics to everyday life.
 
The class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room 262. The class is open to all those who are interested.
 
Beyond 90 Days will focus on scripture by working through an in-depth study of one book of the Bible at a time. They will explore the meaning of the book - both from a historical context as well as its application for today’s faith journey. Class participants will discuss assigned readings and explore the impact of the text on personal spiritual growth.
 
For additional information about this new Sunday School class, contact Beth Evers (817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: The chance to fully live

 
By Ben Disney
 
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
An 18th century children’s bedtime prayer
 
In 1902, as he lay dying at the age of 48, Cecil Rhodes could look back on a not undistinguished career. He had made a vast fortune in gold and diamonds. He had built railroads through the wilderness and become one of the century’s great rulers. He had created an empire, which is more than your average 48-year-old has on his resume. But Rhodes was not going gently into any good night. On his deathbed he was heard muttering, “So little done, so much to do.” [ John Tierney, Forbes Magazine, 2007 ]
  
A bucket list of must see places waiting to be discovered in locations around the world. Among the “1000 places” in the book are historic sites such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s home in Western Samoa and the trail of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the United States, cultural ones such as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in the United States, and La Scala in Italy, natural ones such as the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Dead Sea in Israel.  [ From 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz ]
 
It’s an interesting exercise. Put together your own bucket list. If you could map out the remainder of your life and have the resources to do anything you wish, what would you do? What sites would you see? What goals would you set? What dreams would you follow? What kind of spiritual pilgrimage would you take?
 

My guess is that some of us would include an exotic location or a never-been-there-before destination; others would list something less obvious and much more private and personal. Whatever is on your bucket list says volumes about what’s inside of you.
 
In the end, it’s not as much about the specific destination as it is about the passion. It’s not about arriving in a particular place but about awakening the Spirit inside of you. The journey is always more important than the destination. It’s not about the list. It’s about life; life with all its joys and sorrows, pain, happiness, disappointments, restlessness, hopes and prayers, peace and brokenness.
 
The prayer we used to pray as children was almost right. Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake... What that last line should say is: If I should die before I live...
 
That’s a genuine plea; begging God not to let us miss whatever it was we were meant to know and experience in this life; that we wouldn’t die before we had the chance to fully live. It’s a reminder wrapped in genuine hope and life-giving fear that life is sacred, time is short, and every single one of us has a calling to fulfill, a mark to leave, and a God-honoring mission to complete. That’s a real prayer.
 
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Missionaries to Kenya speaking here May 1

 
Bill and Jerri Savuto, United Methodist missionaries serving in Kenya, will make a presentation at Arborlawn on Tuesday, May 1. Join us at 6:30 p.m. that evening in Room 225. Anyone interested in news about the Savuto's medical mission are invited. Also, we're going to dinner (Dutch treat) with the Savutos at Olive Garden after the meeting. We would like to get a good head count, so if you want to join us for dinner, please contact Sherry Roth (817-731-0701) by Noon on May 1.
 
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Teddy bears sought for new ministry

 
Do you have a new or gently used teddy bear you want to share? Laura Keffer, a young Arborlawn member, is collecting teddy bears as part of her service project with the 2012 Confirmation Class. The bears can be hugged and prayed over and given to a sick friend, a child waiting at the Food Pantry, a kid recovering from an illness, or children in the custody of Child Protective Services.
 

If you want to donate a bear to this worthy mission, please put it in the Missions Collection Room (Room 230) which is next to the kitchen near the Worship Center. Thank you Laura!
 
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May Missions Baskets in full swing; program benefits UCC

 
Be sure and drop by the west side of the Lower Commons this Sunday and take a look at the May Missions Baskets on display. This annual fundraiser for United Community Centers is sponsored by Arborlawn's United Methodist Women.
 

The baskets will be on view each Sunday morning through May 20. (Look for them in the Upper Commons outside of the Worship Center on May 6.) Drawings are planned for Sunday, May 20 in Room 146 (the Children's Worship Area behind the grand staircase; accessible from the hallways on either side adjoining the Lower Commons) after the late worship services. Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at the Welcome Kiosks.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Bill Crawford speaking to UMW about caregiving on May 1

 
The next general meeting of Arborlawn's United Methodist Women is Tuesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. in the Worship Center. The program for May is presented by Bill Crawford of Comfort Keepers. He will be speaking on “Caring for Your Loved One.” Crawford recently helped initiate Arborlawn's Caregiver’s Group with Bryan Bellamy. 
 

All are welcome for this informative program, even if you don't usually attend UMW meetings. So many of us have already faced or will be facing the loving task of being a caregiver to someone.
 
The mission emphasis for May is the Arborlawn Food Pantry. After the General Meeting, we’ll enjoy a carry-in salad luncheon in the Gathering Area. The Hospitality Committee is hosting and providing desserts.
 
Other UMW news upcoming in May: May 4 is the deadline to register for the Jurisdiction Meeting in Abilene June 22-24. Also, May 19 is UMW Work Day at United Community Centers. Join us that day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. if you can; registration is required, so see Debbie Wood for more details.
 
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Pray in Faith study begins May 17

 
Arborlawn's Prayer Ministry is conducting the study “Pray in Faith” Thursday evenings starting May 17 through June 28. The study meets from 6:30-8 p.m. in Room 222. The book costs $8 and can be purchased the first night of the study.
 

Led by Bonny Jenista, the series is based on the book by T.W. Hunt and Claude King and is designed to help grow and strengthen our individual and corporate prayer life. The series explores the essential elements of building and maintaining a genuine and meaningful prayer life. “Pray in Faith” is more than information about prayer. It’s about helping us become people immersed in prayer as we seek to hear the cries of our neighbor and listen for the voice of God. Our prayer is that Arborlawn will become a House of Prayer. Please note: no one will be asked to pray out loud in this class.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Prayer Room moving to Lower Commons

 
The Prayer Ministry announces the relocation of the Prayer Room (The Vineyard of Prayer) due to the conversion of the old Sanctuary into the new Family Life Center. The Prayer Room had been temporarily housed in the Narthex of the former Sanctuary. The new Prayer Room, which is currently being outfitted and painted, will eventually be in the east side of the Lower Commons. Watch for more details as its unveiling draws closer.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Around Arborlawn section discontinued; stories still reported!

 
Please note the Around Arborlawn section of The Vine was discontinued after the Nov. 11, 2011 issue. The items we formerly categorized as "Around Arborlawn" are now reported under more specific categories.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Renovation of the former Sanctuary under way!

 
By Ben Disney
 
We’re pleased to announce that work has begun on a project designed to convert the former sanctuary space into a recreational, multi-purpose facility. It’s an exciting time in the life of our church! We’ve received a generous gift from an anonymous donor expressing a desire to do something specifically for the students and children of our church. The donation was placed in a designated fund and we now have the resources to create a wonderful multi-purpose recreational facility that will be used by children, students and people of all ages and stages in our congregation and community.
 

You’ll notice several obvious changes and temporary disruptions when you come to the church, the first being the pews which are temporarily set in the Gathering Area awaiting distribution. Some of the pews in the former sanctuary have already found a home in a church in Arkansas. The remaining pews are temporarily set aside in the Gathering Area and will be picked up by members of another church sometime in the next two weeks. You’ll also find a dumpster at the double glass doors at the west entrance to the Gathering Area. The dumpster is there temporarily as the old flooring is taken up and discarded. You can still enter the building from the west side by the double glass doors or the single glass door near the Chancel Choir rehearsal room.
 
We want to offer a special word of appreciation to the members of the Saints and Sinners Sunday School class and others who have been passionate advocates of the project and involved in the preparation and planning for the conversion. All the volunteers have been remarkable. Once the project is complete, we’ll have a wonderful facility that will house all kinds of recreational activities, congregational events, concerts, and special events.
 
We’re blessed to have such a remarkable and generous donation in hand and grateful that we will soon have a wonderful recreational, multi-purpose addition to the church to help us serve the people of our church and community.
 
It’s an exciting time to be at Arborlawn. God is good. Our faith is strong. Our people are generous. Our future is bright.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Q & A session with General Conference delegates this Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the Worship Center

 
Tom Harkrider and Ethan Gregory are going to Tampa next week as delegates to the United Methodist General Conference 2012 (Apr. 24 through May 4). Everyone's invited to come hear them discuss their upcoming journey this Sunday, Apr. 22, at 9:45 a.m. in the Worship Center.
 
This setting will provide an opportunity for sharing information as well as a time for questions and answers. Topics to be covered: how General Conference operates, how the denomination makes decisions, and how it can affect the lives of United Methodists everywhere; an overview of this year's conference in Tampa; major legislation and issues to be addressed at General Conference; and questions and answers.
 
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. The 1000-member assembly meets once every four years to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues.
 
For more details contact Tom Harkrider.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Class about anti-semitism in the church begins Thursday, April 19

 
Join us starting this Thursday, Apr. 19 for the class "Anti-Semitism in the Church" at 10 a.m. in Room 225. The class is taught by Posy McMillen, a Christian who has led several Jewish studies classes at Arborlawn. The class runs through July 5.

The purpose of this class is to examine some of the long history of anti-semitism within the church; a history many books neglect to cover. This journey will be very painful at times, and, after the class is completed, attendees will have a much deeper love and understanding of our Jewish brothers and sisters and realize the Holocaust didn't happen in a vacuum.
 

McMillen served as chair of the "Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945" exhibition, which was held in Fort Worth, and served on the Program Committee for the Dallas Holocaust Museum. She is also on the Speakers' Bureau for the National Unity Coalition/Voices United for Israel. [Note: the image above is from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.]
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

New Sunday School class starts April 22 in Room 262

 
By Beth Evers
 
An exciting new opportunity for Bible study, fellowship, and spiritual growth is forming on Sunday mornings! After completing The Bible in 90 Days, several individuals have committed to continue the discipline of daily reading and the study of scripture. The group will meet on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in Room 262. Anyone interested in exploring a new Sunday School opportunity is invited to join the group beginning this Sunday, Apr. 22.
 
The group will focus on scripture by working through an in-depth study of one book of the Bible at a time. They will explore the meaning of the book, both from a historical context as well as its application for today’s faith journey. Participants in the class will talk about the assigned readings and explore the impact of the text on their own spiritual growth.
 
On Apr. 22, the group will choose the book of the Bible they will study first. Anyone interested in joining in the discussion and decision process of this exciting new opportunity is welcome to attend. For additional information, please contact Beth Evers (or 817-731-0701).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: Guardrails and emergency clinics

 
By Ben Disney
 
From "The Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living" by Reuben P. Job: "Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God."
 
Simple doesn’t mean simplistic; The Three Simple Rules embody a focused life of faith and conviction in the midst of a confusing and conflicted world.
 
A modern parable: A small town nestled in the mountains realizes it has a public relations problem. The town derives most of its revenue from the local ski resort that attracts tourists from all over the region. Unfortunately, the only way to get to the town and ski resort is by driving the long and treacherous road that winds around the mountain. In deep winter, which is also the peak season for tourists, the road becomes icy and dangerous; and, as a result, numerous tourists lose control of their cars and careen over the side of the mountain.
 
All in the town agree that this is particularly bad for their reputation and bad for the economy. So they meet at the town hall to find a solution. Some argue they should construct guard rails along the edge of the road at every turn to ensure the safety of the motorists. Others argue that, along with the installation of guard rails, a series of flashing signs could be posted warning the motorists of the danger. Still more chime in regarding other possible solutions.
 

In the end the city council votes not to install the guard rails or post the warning signs. Instead they decide to build a hospital emergency care clinic at the base of the mountain so they can quickly and easily attend to the injured as they slide off the road. So they do.
 
I suppose we need both guardrails and emergency clinics. After all, it’s a dangerous world out there and there are a lot of places and a lot of ways we can get hurt. But wouldn’t life be so much simpler if we decided to build more guardrails in the first place so we wouldn’t need so many emergency clinics?
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Arborlawn welcomes Rev. DeAndrea Dare; Assoc. Minister arrives in June

 
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. DeAndrea Dare as Associate Minister to Arborlawn effective in June. DeAndrea is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and Brite Divinity School. She joins the staff of Arborlawn as a highly regarded and gifted clergy within the Central Texas Conference.
 

While in seminary she served as Director of Singles Ministry at Plymouth Park United Methodist Church in Irving. After graduation she was appointed as Chaplain of Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Regional Burn Center, a ministry she is passionate about and one she continues to serve in a limited capacity when her schedule allows. DeAndrea previously served as Pastor of Asbury United Methodist in Haltom City. For the past eight years, she’s been serving as Associate Pastor at Aledo United Methodist Church in a variety of areas including worship, discipleship, leading mission trips to Haiti, and hosting a series of special speakers and authors including Mitch Albom and Sister Helen Prejean.
 
She lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Aaron Graham. We’re pleased to welcome DeAndrea and Aaron to Arborlawn and look forward to their arrival in June.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Spring is here, and the gardens are looking great

 
With spring in full force, one doesn't have to look too far around Arborlawn to see the beauty of the season. Ponder the wonderful flowers and plants you see landscaped around the premises.
 

When you see Tom Martin, please say a big thanks to him for the great work he does in keeping our plants and flowers so healthy. The man obviously has an accomplished green thumb.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Freese and Nichols honored with Baldrige Award

 
We are pleased to report that Freese and Nichols, a Fort Worth-based engineering, architecture, and environmental services firm - and next door neighbor to Arborlawn - was recently recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
 

Several company representatives, as well as others from the community, including Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the recognition ceremony. The Baldrige Award, which originates from the United States Department of Commerce, recognizes deserving organizations in areas such as leadership, strategic planning, and customer focus to name just a few.
 
The Freese and Nichols company includes Arborlawn members Jim Nichols, Bob Pence, Cindy Milrany, Kelly Dillard, David Sloan, and Amy Raines. Congratulations to all of you. We're so proud of you and honored to be your church family.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

"Understanding Yourself" class starts April 29

 
Everyone is invited to attend "Understanding Yourself and Others as Children of God" on Sundays, Apr. 29, May 6, and May 13 from 9:50-10:45 a.m. in Room 160 off the Lower Commons on the east side of the building. The class is facilitated by Judy Williamson.
 
Sometimes people spend an enormous amount of time and energy selecting the best job, the best educational setting, or the best spouse for themselves, but they do not consider very carefully their selections of which activities are truly appropriate for them to serve God with the greatest joy. In 1 John 1:4, we find the verse “We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” How does one serve God in a way to make joy complete? This class helps you discover how special and unique God has made you. The class also helps you appreciate the wonderful uniqueness of each child of God.
 
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